Question #4 - What was a pivotal experience that has shaped your life?
Our lives are made up of events, some good and some bad and all of them shape our lives. But there are some pivotal events that seem to shape us more than others.
Question #4 - What was a pivotal experience that has shaped your life?
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I am grateful for passion. All of us need something and someone we are passionate about. We need something and/or someone that drives us and gives our lives purpose and and a deeper connection with God and God's people. Whether it's the love of your life (No confessions here. I don't kiss and tell.) or the ones that you love in your life. Passion drives us to stand up when we would rather cower back and to choose love when it is easier to hate.
I am passionate about the our children, especially in our public schools. I personally believe that the quality of education is not as good now as it was years ago. I am not blaming the parents, students, teachers, staff, or any other single entity. But I believe that a perfect storm of conditions have caused so many problems. As parents, grandparents, and guardians we must remain vigilant and visible in our schools; and we must both speak up and listen. Remember, the schools are responsible for only a part of the educational process. We must do the rest. I am grateful for Random Interests. Besides my top two interests of reading and writing, I enjoy many other things. I can spend hours on Facebook and get lost in Pinterest. I love playing Tasty Tale and Words with Friends on my tablet and phone and I am extremely competitive in board games. I love the sound of an electric guitar and love to imitate voices. And I will drop everything to watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Secret Life of Bees. At first glance these random interests don't seem to connect, but all of them are connected to me and all add value to my life. As far as I'm concerned anything that adds value to your life and doesn't hurt anyone can't be but so bad.
I am grateful for travel opportunities. When I was growing up in the 60s travel usually meant the entire family packed in the car with food and road maps or the occasional sponsored bus trip. Back in those days travel looked differently for 'Negroes' and whites. Unlike the white people we just didn't pull up at the next restaurant, use the restroom, order our food and expect to be served. Instead we looked for a nice shaded area where we could eat with bushes that we could go behind later. Most overnight trips were with groups that made sure we were welcome in the hotels. We were still grateful for those experiences that instilled in me a love of travel.
Now travel opportunities are much greater. We can visit places our ancestors could only dream about. It is a privilege to introduce my grandson to new experiences and new places. But we must never forget those times of not so long ago. And we can tell the story, while we travel. I am grateful for nature. God has given us a beautiful world for us to enjoy and preserve. As i write this I am looking out of my office window. Among the trees and bushes live birds, squirrels, rabbits, ground hogs,and frogs. Watching them go about their lives has proven to be a peaceful pursuit. always take the time to enjoy God's gifts.
The power of God has been demonstrated lately through the hurricanes and tornadoes. Let us never forget that God is in control. I am grateful for the Theatre. My love of the theatre began with my best friend, Pat's, mother. Mrs. Louise Wilson's club took bus excursions to New York City twice a year. The purpose was the same for each trip, to see a Broadway play with a black cast. Now she knew that we, as high school and college students, couldn't afford to go so there were two prices - one for the group and one for Pat's friends. We usually stayed 4 in a room in Manhattan, close enough to walk to the theatres. I don't ever remember paying more than $30 for the bus and play. Among the many plays that we saw I still have Playbills for The Wiz, Ain't Misbehaving, Eubie, and For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enough. Later, my daughter and I had the privilege of performing with the Richmond Community Theatre Guild. And I am pleased to announce that my grandson also has an interest in theatre.
I am grateful for music. Music has always been a part of my life. In my early years, being a preacher's kid, we listened to mostly gospel music. But later soul, jazz, and some classics were also regularly heard at home or in the car. One of my sisters and I took piano lessons and at one time we had a piano, keyboard, and guitar at home. All of us sung on the choir. I still have the piano and will occasionally play it. When I was teaching I used music to set the tone in the classroom. Today I listen to and appreciate all types of music. And whenever I have to be hospitalized, I always have my music with me
What would I tell my ancestors about life in 2018? By ancestors I mean those past relatives that lived 100 years ago. How would you describe your life to them? There are so many changes in the past 100 years and I am guessing that my ancestors would be both pleasantly surprised and horrified by life today. Their sacrifices made a difference. And personally I am very grateful to them.
I am grateful for art. I appreciate all types of art even though I don't understand some of it. I have often wished that I could capture a scene by painting or drawing but sadly, that is not the case. I have always displayed art in my home. From my daughter's and grandson's youthful drawings to prints and paintings I have purchased through the years art has been a part of my life. (I still have a brick painted by my daughter in elementary school that I use as a doorstop.) I do have some artistic ability. I picked up weaving while I was in college and over the years I have competed a few pieces including infant blankets for Jen and Will. I am more drawn to textual pieces as well as found art.
I am grateful for God's Grace and Mercy. God has been so merciful to me through all of my mess. Even when I was doing what I wanted and not even thinking about God, God's grace and mercy covered me. God forgave me even when others hated me. And it is by God's grace and mercy that I am still standing.
God we ask for your grace and mercy as we go through all types of storms. |
Welcome to LIVE!A page of special writings including a Gratitude Series - September, 2018 and Reclaiming Our Story - My version of Black History Archives
June 2021
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